Bestselling author Eric Madeen has announced his novel 'Water Drumming In The Soul: A Novel Of Racy Love in the Heart of Africa' will be available at no charge in e-book format February 20 and 21, 2025 on Amazon. This promotional offer provides readers with free access to a work that has garnered significant critical praise for its authentic portrayal of African culture and complex character development.
The novel follows Peace Corps volunteer David Fields as he attempts to build a medical dispensary in an equatorial African village while navigating cultural disorientation, tropical illnesses, and social taboos. The story's central relationship develops when David meets Assam, a woman whose water drumming—playing a stream as a drum—captivates him and initiates what reviewers describe as a passionate, tension-filled love story.
Academic and literary responses to the novel highlight its cultural significance. Zaheer Baber, Professor of Sociology at the University of Toronto, noted that "Madeen's storytelling prowess shines through and resonates with authenticity. The characters, particularly Assam, are beautifully developed, challenging traditional stereotypes as in presenting a more nuanced and genuine portrayal of African culture." Author Elizabeth Montano compared the work to Hemingway's masterpieces, calling it "a novel so beautifully and realistically written I found it on par with works by whom we consider masters."
Reader reviews on Amazon further emphasize the novel's emotional depth and unexpected narrative turns. One reviewer described the book as "a rollercoaster of emotions that'll have you laughing, crying, and everything in between" while praising its exploration of "thought-provoking themes like culture, identity, and the power of human connection."
Madeen's background as a Peace Corps volunteer in Francophone Gabon, where he built a primary school complex in an equatorial village, informs the novel's authentic setting and cultural insights. His other works include the bestselling 'Tokyo-ing!' and 'Asian Trail Mix: True Tales From Borneo to Japan,' which demonstrate his cross-genre writing abilities and deep engagement with diverse cultural landscapes.
The free promotion represents an opportunity for readers to access a work that challenges conventional Western narratives about Africa while delivering a compelling love story. Readers can download the e-book during the promotional period at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Eric-Madeen/author/B08VGRNJVW?. Additional information about the author is available at https://ericmadeen.com/.
This promotion comes at a time when the publishing industry increasingly recognizes the importance of diverse voices and authentic cultural representation. Madeen's novel contributes to this movement by presenting African characters and settings with nuance and depth, moving beyond stereotypical portrayals. The free access period allows broader audiences to experience this perspective, potentially influencing reader expectations for cultural authenticity in contemporary fiction.
